Senior Technologist - W Cellar & Juice at Woolworths

Introduction

• A dynamic team player is required to join our Wine, Liquor and Fresh Juice Foods Department, to provide the competitive edge through the delivery of quality, safety, availability and innovation.
• Job description
• Support the development of a customer-focused Technical strategy to support the WW Foods Strategy
• Lead and support the W Cellar, Beverages and Fresh Juice Teams with the implementation of the category management plans
• Brand integrity, product safety and risk mitigation
• Ensure delivery of technically and commercially viable range of products that meets the needs of the Woolworths’ customer
• Operational excellence through the development of the technical guidelines, policies, and standards
• Communicate and manage all technical objectives and priorities to respective teams and key stakeholders
• Support the implementation of effective Food Safety & Quality protocols to ensure compliance to product specifications, Woolworths’ policies, Brand Integrity Plan and guidelines, industry standards and regulations
• Assess, communicate, and provide possible solutions to mitigate risk related to Food Safety & Quality across the supply chain for all products and new W Cellar Stores.
• Manage adherence to Woolworths’ Technical requirements and Good Business Journey (GBJ) across all products
• Manage and monitor technical function in order to meet Technical operating plan
• Product and process audits, including the formulation of specifications
• Quality monitoring and reporting
• Provide input into category, technical and supplier strategies, and implementation of technical aspects thereof
• Packaging development, with respect to legislation, nutritional aspects and shelf life

Minimum requirements

• BSC Food Science/BTech in Foods or relevant qualification with 8-10 years’ experience
• Ability to work across a wide array of industries and large amount of suppliers
• Understanding of high/low risk processing with Fresh Juice/Beverages as advantageous
• Practical working and understanding of different thermal and non-thermal process technologies will be advantageous.
• Understanding of the wine making process, risk associated and industry compliance
• Knowledge of the liquor industry, risk associated, legislation and compliance
• Experience within the Foods Stores and Services field would be advantageous
• Knowledge of technical processes and principles (including HACCP, GMP, Supply Chain, Raw materials)
• Proven track record of relevant industry experience / knowledge across a wide range of product (chilled juices, ambient beverages, and wine advantageous)
• Technical product knowledge (including characteristics, raw material sourcing / manufacturing processes and quality / safety parameters)
• Knowledge of packaging functionality and application
• Understanding of environmental management and sustainability
• Ability to apply a project management approach for the delivery of key projects
• Ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions in collaborations with supplier base
• Well-versed in relevant legislation ability to play an influencing role.
• Team player with ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people
• Assertive communication skills and confident
• Quality / high standard mindset
• Innovation / continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, pressurised environment
• Developed sensory skills
• Business acumen, judgment and problem solving ability
• Strategic development and planning skills
• Project management skills
• Networking and influencing skills
• Assertive communication and conflict handling skills
• Pro-active, innovative and entrepreneurial
• Flexible with ability and willingness to travel
• Ability to work productively in a stressful environment